Education And Entrepreneurship Are Top Priorities For British Middle East Minister's Visit To Egypt

British Middle East Minister Alistair Burt arrived in Cairo on Saturday, October 13^th for a visit focusing on supporting the Egyptian government’s education reform as well as the country's entrepreneurial landscape.   

“The UK is Egypt’s natural partner in education, its number one economic partner, and its strongest ally when it comes to combatting the scourge of terrorism," says Burt. "I look forward to helping Egypt deliver its education reform plans, and to meeting some inspirational Egyptian entrepreneurs who are unlocking Egypt’s potential and helping to create job opportunities across the country. I’m also looking forward to discussing the UK and Egypt’s positive partnership, as well as Egypt’s pivotal role in the region, when I sit down with Minister Sameh Shoukry.”

As part of the minister's schedule, he will visit an Egyptian school to learn more about how the UK can continue to support the state's vision for education reform. The UK is already Egypt’s closest partner on education, and this year alone has seen a number of new education initiatives including a MoU on international branch campuses and an Education Technology trade mission. 

Burt will also meet Egyptian entrepreneurs at the launch of the British Council’s Developing Inclusive and Creative Economies programme. This will boost Egypt’s creative industries via a new EGP 30 million programme to support entrepreneurship across the sector. He will also celebrate the inauguration of the second year of the UK-funded Start Egypt programme at a reception with some of the programme’s beneficiaries. This programme supports Egyptian entrepreneurs with mentoring and training programmes.

The minister aims to discuss a range of issues and explore the deep commitment of his country to work with Egypt to provide new opportunities for its youth. Following his last visit, UK doubled its investment in Egypt’s startup scene to EGP 47 million and provided a $140 million loan guarantee to support Egypt’s economic reform plans.

Main Image: British Middle East Minister Alistair Burt.